Pianist and composer Amina Figarova brings together a pastoral band of Bart Platteau/fl, Alex Pope Norris/tp, Marc Mommaas-Wayne Escoffery/sax, Yasushi Nakamura-Luques Curtis/b and Jason Bronw/dr with various guests for a collection of gracious moods. Platteau’s flute takes a major part here, as he floates with Figarova on the playful “Marians” and glides serenely with Escoffery’s tenor on”Moving Upwards.” The band sounds chamberlike on the artsy and fluffy “Pictures” as well as weiht Nakamura’s bowed bass on the glowing “Moonrise.” The team shows it’s muscle on the boppy and funky “The Hustler” whithc lets Brown snap the team to attention.” Some lovely voice is delivered by Sarha Elisabeth Charles on “Hewa” while “Hear My Voice” has a political message spoken over a dirge by youngsters Salhiya Bilal Tumba & Shamiyl Bil Tumba. The plea for peace is earnest at least, with no solutions, which can only be resolved by God’s changing ones heart. Heartfelt musical and worded messages.
In and Out Records